Buying a new Apple device? You can get it tax-free in 8 states - but only on these dates

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ZDNET's key takeaways

Tax-free shopping typically runs in late July and early August.

Only certain states support tax-free purchases on Apple products.

iPhones, iPads, and Macs could qualify depending on the state.

Looking to buy a new iPhone, iPad, or Mac but turned off by Apple's premium prices? If you live in the right state, you'll soon be able to save money by snagging the item tax-free.

Depending on where you live and what product you want, tax-free shopping typically kicks in during July and August with an emphasis on back-to-school items. Though many states eliminate the sales tax on a range of products, only certain ones include Apple devices and related accessories in the list.

Also: Apple confirms price increases are coming - how much will it cost you?

Tax-free shopping comes at a time when Apple has been raising prices on several products. Due to the higher cost and shorter supply of memory chips, retailers like Apple have been forced to jack up prices on key items just to maintain their profit margins. This means you're now paying anywhere from 15% to 25% more on iPads, MacBooks, and other devices than you would have a month ago.

With all that in mind, which states make the cut? The states include Alabama, Arkansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Mexico, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Here's the lineup by state, tax-free shopping dates, and qualifying Apple products.

Alabama

Dates: July 17–19, 2026

Products:

Computers (under $1,173)

Macs

iPads

Accessories (only if purchased with the computer and the total sale is under $1,173)

Keyboards

Mice

Apple Pencil

Speakers/HomePods

Monitors

Printers

Computer storage media, diskettes, compact disks

Apple and third-party software (non-recreational)

Notes:

The total sales price of all tax-exempt items can't exceed $1,173. Computers and accessories, such as keyboards, mice, speakers, and monitors, also qualify but only when sold with a computer and the total price doesn't exceed $1,173.

Visit the Alabama Department of Revenue website for more details.

Arkansas

Dates: August 1–2, 2026

Products:

All Macs

All iPads

All iPhones

Printers

Apple Vision Pro

Accessories

Keyboards

Mice

Apple Pencil

Displays

Notes: Visit the State of Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website for more details.

Massachusetts

Dates: August 8–9, 2026

Products:

Any item priced at $2,500 or less qualifies for a tax-free purchase. If you spend more than $2,500 on an item, the entire amount you pay is subject to sales tax, not just the difference. Though the price of each item must be $2,500 or less, you can purchase multiple items tax-free, even if all the items together cost more than $2,500.

Notes: Visit the Massachusetts Department of Revenue website for more details.

Missouri

Dates: August 7–9, 2026

Products:

Computers ($1,500 or less)

Macs

iPads

Accessories and other products ($1,500 or less)

Displays

Keyboards

Mice

Apple Pencil

Speakers/HomePods

RAM upgrades

Storage drives

Microphones

Printers

Scanners

Hard drives

Flash drives

Apple and third-party software (non-recreational) ($350 or less)

Notes:

Computers and related accessories priced at $1,500 or less and software priced at $350 or less qualify for tax-free purchases.

Visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website for more details.

New Mexico

Dates: July 31–August 2, 2026

Products:

Computers ($1,000 or less)

Macs

iPads

Accessories and other products ($500 or less)

Keyboards

Mice

Apple Pencil

Displays

Speakers/HomePods

Computer cables

RAM

Microphones

Hard drives (including Apple TV)

Flash drives

Printers

Printer supplies (e.g., Lifeprint paper)

Notes:

Computers priced at $1,000 or less qualify for a tax-free purchase. Related accessories such as speakers, printers, keyboards, and mice priced at $500 or less also qualify.

Visit the New Mexico Taxation & Revenue Department website for more details.

Tennessee

Dates: July 31–August 2, 2026

Products:

Computers and accessories ($1,500 or less)

Macs

iPads

Accessories and other products (when purchased with computer)

Displays

Keyboards

Mice

Apple Pencil

Speakers/HomePods

Cables

Notes:

Computers and specific accessories priced at $1,500 qualify for tax-free purchases. The accessories include Apple Pencils, speakers, displays, keyboards, mice, and cables. Accessories not sold with a computer do not qualify.

Visit the Tennessee Department of Revenue website for more details.

Virginia

Dates: August 7–9, 2026

Products:

Cellphone chargers ($60 or less)

Cellphone batteries ($60 or less)

Notes:

The tax-free purchases apply only to cellphone chargers and batteries priced at $60 or less.

Visit the Virginia Department of Taxation website for more details.

West Virginia

Dates: July 31-August 3, 2026

Products: iPads ($500 or less)

Notes:

The tax exemption applies only to laptop and tablet computers priced at $500 or less.

Visit the West Virginia Department of Taxation website for more details.

Overall, the tax-free deals on Apple products do seem narrow. Only eight states qualify, with most in the southeast. I live in New York, so I'd have to drive up to Massachusetts to snag an item, which wouldn't be worth the trip. In most of the states, your options are also limited by product and price.

Plus, I wish the tax-free deals were extended to September when the new iPhones and other products are expected to launch. That's when Apple buyers could really use the tax break. Still, if you live in the right state and need a product or accessory now or very soon, be sure to jump on this at the right time to save a bit of cash.